Page 33 of Caged Heat

Jackson’s face hardened, and I cringed, the sound way too high to be enjoyable. We both turned, spotting the group of girls as they stood huddled around a car.

“Come out with us,” the redhead said. I couldn’t remember her name, but I believed it was something like Chrissy or Charmaine.

“Yeah, come and hang with us! We’re going to this new hip place.”

I rolled my eyes, their attempts to make digs at me not going unnoticed. Not to mention they hadn’t even attempted to include me in their invitation.

“No thanks. I’ve got other plans,” Jackson said, turning and walking away before they could say anything else.

Chuckling, I hurried to catch up, not hiding my smirk at his dismal. “Am I a bad person for loving that?” I asked once we were clear of them, and he’d slowed.

“Nope. But I hope that shows how serious I am. I can’t stand girls like that. In fact, I much prefer the more mature variety.”

“I should slap you for calling me mature,” I teased.

“Have dinner with me?” he asked, giving me puppy dog eyes.

How could anyone say no to that? You couldn’t.

“Fine,” I groaned like it was a real hardship.

Jackson smiled, his whole face lighting up as he gave me the address of where to meet him. Tossing my stuff into my car, I caught my reflection in the window and almost didn’t recognize myself. My eyes were bright, a smile was fixed on my face, and I had a carefree look about me I hadn’t seen in years.

As I headed out to another date, I couldn’t even recognize my life anymore. Dates, sexy men, and no more dinners alone had become my norm in a few short days, and I didn’t know how to go back. Nor did I want to.

Stepping into Bottle Grounds the following night, I instantly noticed the difference within myself. It had only been two nights since the last time I came here, but so much had transpired since then. Hips swinging and my head high, I walked with the purpose of a woman on a mission.

Waving at Steph behind the bar, I didn’t stop as I strolled down the employees-only hallway, my heart beating rapidly as I neared August’s door. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched him at his desk as he typed something into the computer. I’d always noticed his good looks, but I hadn’t ever considered that he might like me. He’d always been quietly in the background, watching and observing but never interfering.

We’d spoken a few times, and I always felt I could go to him when I needed time off for something, especially if it regarded Mack. August had always been a fair boss and a good man, and now I got the chance to know him deeper.

His strong fingers typed quickly, and his eyes narrowed behind the frames perched on his nose. I’d never seen him in glasses before, and I found I liked it. They made his sharp features softer in a way, and I had the urge to run my fingers through his hair as he laid his head in my lap.

“It’s not nice to stare,” his deep voice rumbled, his eyes turning to me and catching me off guard.

I’d been fantasizing about lazy Sunday mornings on the couch, with a cup of coffee in one hand and his head in my lap. Oddly enough, I also imagined Jackson cooking us breakfast as he danced around the kitchen before plopping down on the couch behind me. Shaking the odd image out of my head, I smiled as I stepped into the office.

“I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Closing the door, I walked around the desk, his eyes tracking me as I neared. He scooted back and turned, smirking as I perched my ass on his desk. Reaching out, I ran my fingers through his hair before pulling his face toward mine for a kiss.

“Hey,” I said, smiling as he returned it fervently.

His eyes heated as he dragged them over me. When I raked my fingernails through his beard, he leaned into my touch.

“I missed you, dove.”

“Yeah?” I asked, smiling.

“I’ve been spoiled the past ten years getting glimpses of you. It was enough when you weren’t mine, but now that you are, I want every little moment I can with you.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and guilt crashed into me. “I’m yours?” I teased, trying to hide the guilt of liking Jackson too.

August’s brows creased as he took me in. Before I could blink, he pulled me into his lap, my legs falling over his thick thighs. His large hands came up to my face, cupping my cheeks and forcing me to look at him.

“What is it, Nora?”

Exhaling, I bit my lip as I chewed over the words to say. I’d never been in this situation before. But after I’d handled things with Jackson, I wanted to do things differently this time. Better.

---